窮地

• Reading: きゅうち
• Romaji: kyuuchi
• Kanji breakdown: 窮 (kyuu) — cornered, at an end; 地 (chi) — ground, place, position, state
• Pronunciation: /kʲɯː.tɕi/

Meaning

Predicament; dilemma; a desperate situation from which there is no obvious escape. Implies being cornered with severely limited options.

A noun describing a perilous impasse or desperate corner. Collocates strongly with 陥る (to fall into), 救う (to rescue from), and 脱する (to escape from). While 窮状 describes a state of hardship more broadly, 窮地 emphasises being trapped or cornered — a specific crisis with no easy exit. Common in narrative, business, and everyday speech.

Examples

1. 資金繰りが悪化し、会社は深刻な窮地に陥った。 With cash flow deteriorating, the company fell into a serious predicament.
2. 彼は機転を利かせて、交渉の窮地を見事に脱した。 He used his quick thinking to skillfully escape the predicament in the negotiations.
3. 友人が窮地に陥ったとき、迷わず手を差し伸べるのが本当の友情だ。 Reaching out without hesitation when a friend is in a predicament — that is true friendship.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative, business

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

Compound of 窮 (cornered, exhausted) and 地 (ground, place, position). The image is of standing on terrain with no way forward — trapped in a desperate position.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal